About the role
Description
Begin your NEW career at Abilities First!
HIRING EVENT FOR EMPLOYMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT WALK-IN INTERVIEWS
Looking for a new change? Want to turn a new page in your professional career? Look no further!
On the spot interviews for full positions!
We’re holding a walk-in interview event on Thursday October 8, 2026, 2:00pm-5:00pm
Event Location:
Abilities First Inc
70 Overocker Rd
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Who We Are
For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day programs and residential services , community connections, and employment services—are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams.
We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.
Who We Need
Program Developer:
Abilities First is seeking a full time Program Developer. The Program Developer’s primary function is to facilitate the transition for adults to competitive employment with the goal being community based, paid employment. Additionally, to obtain and or create qualitative, community-based employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and maintain employer relationships for future placement possibilities. This will be achieved through establishing a network of relationships with the local business community and related agencies.
Schedule: Monday
-
Friday Day Shift 40 hours per week
Salary range $18.63- $20.63 per hour
Job Coach School to Work, Vocational Specialist:
Abilities First is seeking a full time Job Coach School to Work. This position works with students ages 14 – 21 receiving special education services, facilitating the transition from highly supported school environment to adult work life. Our School to Work Program provides mentoring and assistance, assessing each student’s strengths, areas of interest, and areas of need. Work-study opportunities are arranged as hands-on, unpaid work experiences, similar to “internships” in an area of interest the student determines.
Schedule: Monday - Thursday 7:45am - 4:00pm and Friday 8am - 2pm (37 hours per week)
Salary range $18.37-$20.37
Community Prevocational Specialist
: Abilities First is seeking a full time Community Prevocational Specialist. This position responsible for training, supervision and ensuring production quality of assigned individuals (persons receiving services) in work readiness classes and/or community job sites in a positive and creative manner.
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am – 4pm with some flexibility needed (40 Hours per week)
.
Salary Range: $18.12 - $20.12 per hour.
Perks & Benefits:
Time to Recharge - Vacation, personal, sick, and holiday time
OR
Time to Recharge – Personal and sick time with additional paid time off in accordance with school calendar
Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered, and free Employee Assistance Program available 24/7
Plan for The Future – Retirement savings plan options, employer-paid life insurance, and access to Free Will
Level Up Your Skills– Tuition reimbursement and career development training opportunities
Get Paid When You Need It – On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day
Make a Difference and Be Recognized! – We celebrate our team through staff appreciation events, employee awards, team celebrations, and ongoing recognition of exceptional performance and service.
And More!
*Eligibility requirements may apply
Requirements
All positions require High School Diploma or equivalent, Program Developer requires a BA
Valid NYS Driver License deemed acceptable by our insurance company is required
Related field experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities
Physical Demands:
Described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, in order to perform the essential functions of this job, an individual shall be required to:
Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques).
Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.
NOTE: The salary range represents the expected range of compensation for this position exclusive of fringe benefits or other job specific stipends where applicable. The actual starting salary for the successful candidate will be based on qualifications, experience, skills, education, internal equity, and other job-related factors. Not all candidates will qualify for the maximum range.